SORBA has just released a statement via their Facebook group, announcing that Subaru has decided not to renew their sponsorship contract. Subaru has partnered with IMBA for 19 years, and SORBA has been a part of IMBA for the last 14 years.

As a result of this loss of cash flow, SORBA has been forced “to close the SORBA Communication and Event Specialist position,” said Terry Palmeri, Southeast Associate Regional Director for IMBA. Robin Allen has held that position for many years, and has been an integral part SORBA’s communications strategy. “We will her miss [sic] and the work she has done for the last decade or more. It is hard to think of SORBA without her,” said Palmeri.

Going forward, IMBA is looking for a replacement for the critical Subaru partnership. While IMBA wants to continue the Trail Care Crew program, the future of the program appears uncertain, without a new sponsor lined up.

“This change will force us to rethink how we get our work done and at a time like this, having IMBA as [SORBA’s] partner will likely help us through the loss of our program,” said Palmeri.

According to the SORBA release, four additional IMBA employees were let go as well. IMBA has not yet released an official statement on this matter naming the other employees.

“Finally, I do hope you join me in thanking Robin for her years of dedication. She certainly has made a great contribution to IMBA, SORBA, and mountain biking!” Palmeri concluded.

My name is Greg Heil (also known as mtbgreg in many places on the interwebs. I've been mountain biking seriously since 2005, and I love to travel and ride new trails. My travels have taken me across the United States multiple times, and now, around the world. To date (April 2017), I have ridden well over 650 different trail systems in 20 different US States and 6 foreign countries, and am adding more singletrack to my trail resume every year! I enjoy all types of mountain biking, from ultra endurance cross country all the way up to chair lift-accessed downhill runs.Read more...